Frank Christian
As a leading powerhouse in European football, Real Madrid attracts millions of viewers to their games.
Consequently, events at the Santiago Bernabeu are watched and discussed globally.
During the encounter with Mallorca on Wednesday, May 14, a significant message will be displayed on the screens and by the players, reflecting the club’s commitment to making a global difference.
The Sporting News covers the “Beat Malnutrition” initiative, which fans may have observed during various matches in the Spanish capital recently.
What are the ‘Beat Malnutrition’ signs at Real Madrid?
In collaboration with the club’s foundation, Real Madrid is launching the “Beat Malnutrition” project in partnership with Abbott ahead of their La Liga matchup against Mallorca on May 14.
This collaboration is focused on providing malnutrition screening tools to local communities and supporting nutrition programs at the Real Madrid Foundation’s Social Sports Schools.
According to Abbott, the initiative aims to “empower communities to help children fulfill their potential through nutritional education and screening for malnutrition.”
Signage for the campaign is prominently displayed throughout the Santiago Bernabeu, including on video boards visible during broadcasts and on armbands worn by players during pre-game warm-ups.
How prevalent is malnutrition?
Abbott
The Real Madrid and Abbott collaboration seeks to address a significant global health issue that disproportionately impacts children.
Abbott estimates that 149 million children under five worldwide fall below the healthy height for their age, while 45 million are considered underweight for their height. At the same time, 39 million children in this age group exceed a healthy weight for their height.
The initiative aims to equip Real Madrid Foundation coaches with the tools necessary to measure children’s nutritional status using a “mid-upper arm circumference” (MUAC) z-score tape tool.
The armbands, designed to be a simple screening tool for child malnutrition, were developed in 2019 by Dr. Susan Abdel-Rahman. By employing this tool, parents, educators, and coaches can identify at-risk children and connect them to essential healthcare resources. Abbott has implemented a nutrition screening program across Mexico, India, and the United States, aiming to reach over 2,500 children in nine countries within the first year.
How does the Beat Malnutrition program make a difference?
Since its inception in 2022, the partnership between Real Madrid and Abbott has surpassed initial expectations.
They have successfully screened over 6,800 children in 12 countries, providing more than 68,000 hours of health and nutrition education.
The educational initiative, known as Future Well Kids, “teaches young people about the significance of healthy habits including diet and exercise to prevent chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.”
According to Abbott, after engaging in nutritional education and counseling, children in Mexico have shown improvements during subsequent screenings.
Real Madrid Dream Team initiative
To further promote nutritional education among children, Abbott is collaborating with Real Madrid on the Abbott Dream Team initiative.
This summer, coaches from the club will visit soccer camps in five U.S. cities to discover young talents displaying exceptional soccer skills and leadership abilities.
Eleven selected participants aged 18-19 from these evaluations will earn a remarkable opportunity to travel to Madrid, where they can “demonstrate their abilities and learn from the club’s esteemed coaches.” They will also attend a match at the Santiago Bernabeu and receive training at Ciudad Real Madrid, meeting with nutrition experts and medical staff to gain valuable insights on health to enhance their athletic performance and overall well-being.
Former USMNT star Clint Dempsey will also participate in the Dream Team camps, assisting in the coaching, assessment, and education of young athletes during the various tryouts.
Tryouts are scheduled for Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., in June and July 2025.
